El Nino

The combination of a 15 per cent national deficit, a 28 per cent southern shortfall and the monsoon’s early withdrawal has turned what was once a forecast risk into a lived crisis for millions dependent on rainfed agriculture.

The Climate Impact Lab plans to update its projections as El Niño evolves, providing decision-makers with continually refined guidance. The message is clear: the Super El Niño of 2026–27 is both a humanitarian emergency and a warning.

With high grown output at its lowest monthly level in more than three decades, the industry faces renewed pressure to strengthen resilience while protecting the quality reputation that underpins Ceylon Tea’s global standing.

For global trade, the message is clear: the shortest route between the Atlantic and Pacific is no longer a reliable constant.

El Niño itself cannot be prevented. The scale of its impact on Sri Lanka, however, will be determined by the quality and speed of the national response.

Proactive measures now can substantially reduce the eventual human and economic cost, the FAO report says.

As COP17 continues through its thematic days on finance, water, land and people, and food systems and soil health, the focus remains on moving from declarations to measurable action.

Farmers across the continent face another difficult and expensive harvest after consecutive years of drought, floods and heat.